FA talk to Pearce about under-21s

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has admitted he has had a “brief conversation” with the Football Association over the possibility of succeeding Peter Taylor as England Under-21 coach.

Pearce, along with Bolton assistant Sammy Lee and Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd, are believed to have been targeted by Soho Square officials to lead England’s young guns into this summer’s European championship campaign.

Once linked with the senior England role, Pearce’s work at Eastlands is clearly admired by FA officials and the former national team skipper has admitted talks have taken place, although he has no idea when a final decision will be reached.

“I have had a brief conversation,” said Pearce. “At this stage this is as far as it goes.”